James Steven Godfrey

James Steven Godfrey (Steve) passed away peacefully at 93 years of age on October 12th, 2025, early in the morning in Bountiful, Utah. In his final hours he was surrounded by his wife Elaine, children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine Burrell Godfrey, with whom he was sharing his 75th year of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life and family legacy. He is also survived by two children, Julie Ann Murphy (Michael) and James (Steven) Godfrey Jr. (Jane), son-in-laws Paul Olsen, Mike Argyle (Carole) and Brent Asay, 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren who brought him endless pride and joy.

Steve came into the world by loving parents, James Albert Godfrey and Dicie Maud Stevens Godfrey on the 8th of February 1932 in Provo, Utah. His family included a sister, LaJuana Godfrey and a brother, George Clark Godfrey. Steve’s younger years were spent in parts of southern Idaho and later in Salt Lake City.

Steve met his exceptionally beautiful and kind wife, Elaine Burrell, at 15 years of age. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 30th, 1951. In 1952 Steve was inducted into the United States Army to serve his country. Steve served honorably in the Korean War, where he had many trials and accomplishments. He earned the rank as Master Sergeant and went on to serve 7 years in the Army Reserves as Second Lieutenant. His dedication to his country was a defining part of his life, and he carried the values of duty, discipline, and honor with him in all that he did.

Steve and Elaine brought four wonderful children into the world. Cheri Lynne, Kathi, Julie Ann and James Steven Jr. Steve loved to explore the outdoors and shared this joy with his family. He ran 5 marathons and even climbed the Grand Teton one week after running Parleys Canyon. Steve also developed a passion for ice skating, golf and fishing.

In 1954, Steve began his studies at the University of Utah, graduating in 1959 in Mechanical Engineering. Shortly after, he joined Hercules Powder Company for 31 years. He focused on the development of solid propulsion systems, contributing to critical advancements in aerospace technology. His expertise and leadership promoted him to manager of Pegasus Rocket. Steve was an inspiration for the family to achieve in educational mathematics and physics. His desire to help others learn and improve was exemplified by willingness to always take time to teach family and others. In his spare time Steve offered his talents teaching at the University of Utah and tutoring students within his community.

To know Steve was to experience unwavering kindness, strength, and intelligence. He and his beloved wife were the heart and foundation of the family. They served as a steady source of love, support, and generosity across generations. He served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Steve and Elaine’s home was always open, their guidance constant, and their care boundless. Steve was deeply cherished, and his presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of calling him husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, or friend.

He now rests in peace with his parents, two daughters, Kathi Olsen, Cheri Lynne Argyle, brother Clark Godfrey, sister LaJuana Hand, grandson Dustin Argyle and great granddaughter Emily Elaine Barnes.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Stone Creek Ward, 1476 North 300 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Saturday afternoon from 11:45-12:45 p.m. at the church prior to services. Interment- Memorial Lakeview Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live-stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.